#23 – Chris Chelios Back-To-Back OT Winners vs. Vancouver (1995)

The first goal in our countdown that predates the “Renaissance Era” is actually two goals. In the 1995 Western Conference Semifinals, the Blackhawks headed to Vancouver up 2-0 over the Canucks. Game 3 in the Pacific Coliseum went to overtime where Chicago native Chris Chelios scored to win the game 3-2 and give the Hawks a 3-0 series lead. Then, a few nights later in Game 4 with the Blackhawks looking for the sweep, Chelios struck again…

Chelios’ OT winners in back-to-back games propelled the Blackhawks to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 1992. Eventually, the Hawks lost in five games to Detroit. It would take 14 more years for the Blackhawks to reach that far in the playoffs again. The Hall of Famer Chelios played his high school hockey at Mount Carmel in Chicago, and is a three-time Norris Trophy winner. Chelios also holds the record for the most games played in a career by a defenseman, and in his 26-year NHL career he only missed the playoffs TWICE.

Without a doubt, Chris Chelios is one of the greatest defensemen in the history of the NHL, and one of the best to ever put on a Blackhawks uniform.